For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. ~ James 2:13

Nothing in the course of your existence will ever be more freeing than having the courage to step outside your shell and boldly present your true self to the world without any apologies. ~ Kat Robertson, personal quote

Fighting Fibromyalgia: Giving In – I Need Help

After a long and tearful conversation with Barry this morning, we’ve decided I can’t hold out any longer. He’s getting more and more frustrated with my refusal to seek medical care because it’s really hard for him to watch me experience all of this, which is understandable. I wouldn’t like to see him going through something like this. It is hard to describe what I’m feeling right now. To know that I’m giving in and admitting that I can’t manage this beast any longer is healthy in a sense, but there’s a piece of me that is terrified by this realization.

I’m coming to terms with the fact that I’m not in control of it — or maybe I’m having to finally accept the fact that I never really was. My way of dealing with it before was ignoring it as best as I could. That was my coping mechanism: to ignore it, and to ignore my own needs. I always knew there would come a point where I would need something more than a high tolerance for pain to get me through the rough days, but I never though that day would come so soon. I’ve never even hardly paid attention to the issues I face with Fibromyalgia — on my blog I’ve only mentioned it about 3-4 times until this year.

I keep shaking my head and thinking, “I’m only 28…” I’m terrified on so many levels and for so many reasons. I’m freaking out because my body is fighting against me. I’m at war with myself and it’s a multifaceted struggle. I’m fighting physically. And I’m worn out. I’m fighting mentally. And I’m exhausted. I’m fighting spiritually. And I’m unsettled. I’m fighting emotionally. And I’m drained. I just want as much peace in my body as I have in my heart. My state of being is thrown completely out of alignment by this illness.

I don’t ever recall a time when I was comfortable. My husband has a hard time wrapping his mind around me never having one moment of pain-free-ness without always expressing it or complaining about it (when he’s in pain he always makes sure we know lol). For me, it’s like someone who was born without fingers or without being able to see. They may wish they had fingers or sight, but they don’t know any different — they’d like to know what it’s like to see or utilize their digits, but it’s not that big of a deal because they’ve never known what’s it’s like to live otherwise… so even though it sucks to not have fingers or vision, it’s not earth-shattering because you don’t lose more of your fingers or get any blind-er. It just is what it is, day to day.

With me, for a while it was that way — I didn’t know what it was like to not be in pain so I just handled it and went on with my life because it was all I’d ever known. Pain. However, the thing that makes this different is, it is starting to get worse by the day. I used to hide all of my symptoms from everyone — even my husband. When I tell him that I’m hurting, he will make me rest… “Why are you sweeping? Sit down. Why are you ________? Go lay down.” And I probably need that, but to give up and let it control my functionality in daily life… well I just can’t. The notion of doing that does something to me mentally and makes me feel like I’m losing the fight. So I hide it and refuse to let it change my routine.

I am a 32 year old oilfield wife and mom of seven -- four daughters and three sons who range in age from 6 to 15 and collectively play football, baseball, volleyball, and basketball. I am the founder of StepInFaith Ministry and the owner of eDesign-Pro Company. You can find me on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube! As a certified personal trainer, when I'm not blogging, momming, wife-ing, or working, I'm leading a virtual boot camp course and developing fitness programs for my online community, Fitness Rebooted, as well as my local boot camp classes. For more information, visit KatJRobertson.com!

4 Interactions (including Facebook & Twitter)

Oh, Kat! I am so sorry. I understand on a personal level everything you said. If you ever have time, feel free to search my blog under the category chronic illness for verses and words from God that have gotten me through the past four years of living with MS and lupus. I was 28 when my symptoms began and I feel your frustration. Please know that it is not a personal failure for you to seek medical attention! {{hugs}}

Kat I am so sorry you are dealing with this. While I can’t speak from experience I do know from others that living with the daily pain is a struggle and there is no shame in admitting so and asking for help. Your husband sounds like an amazing man, listen to him when he says to rest.
My sister has fibromyalgia and has been on medicine to help control her pain for years and while some may look down on her I know she is doing what is best for her just like you need to do what’s best for you! Also yoga has helped her a lot. Especially in her hip and back area. ((((())))) hun

Hello there Kat. My daughter has fibromyalgia that was diagnosed as a child. She is now 23. Fibro is nothing less than a nightmare for my daughter and everyone who has this. I’ve chased doctors around the world, sending blood vials, records, etc., to no avail. She can’t take it any longer and giving up. My daughter is taking 300 mgs of Topamax at night and an extra 200 mgs through the day when needed. This med is STRONG. It appears the fibro is getting worse, even though we’ve been told that it doesn’t progress, or her body is too use to Topamax and isn’t working or she just can’t take it any longer. We don’t know. The Topamax is an epileptic med and used off-label for fibromyalgia, This med has enabled her to function! Before that, she was on nortritylene and muscle relaxers that didn’t work and in the bed debilitated 24/7. I’m still chasing doctors. She’s had every test imaginable. Now, I’m taking her to a top neurologist to view her MRI’s of her head, neck and spine to see if he may see something there that maybe he can correct to help alleviate at least some of her symptoms. All I can say is omg. I hurt for her and others, terribly, that suffer with fibro. She has migraines, tmj, pain all over head to toe “every day” and most days are a level 10, level 10 being the worse. I’ve never seen nothing like this, ever, and I cry a “lot” for her without her seeing me cry or knowing it but sometimes it just bursts out. God Bless you sweetie. God Bless you.